Extensive variability was found among 24 currently available commercial sh2 hybrids of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) for yield and yield components, and for the chemical components of eating quality. The primary source of variation was explained by genotypic differences, with the environmental effects due to planting locations having a minor influence. Kernel sugar concentrations, however, had a highly significant level of genotype by environment interaction. The extensive genotypic variability among the sh2 hybrids indicated that allelic variation at other loci is profoundly influencing sucrose and total sugar levels in freshly harvested sweet corn. In each case, the kernel chemical components of quality decreased from 20 to 29 days after pollination (DAP). Mean performance of sh2 hybrids for yield, yield components, and kernel quality parameters was in all cases equal or better than the hybrids homozygous for the su1 endosperm mutation. In addition, there were no strong negative relationships between yield and some of the important chemical components of kernel quality, suggesting that it may be feasible to develop superior sh2 hybrids with acceptable yield potential and improved eating quality targeted for the different sweet corn markets.

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CASE DESCRIPTION A 5.5-year-old 0.929-kg spayed female domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) underwent serial abdominal ultrasonographic and clinicopathologic examinations after multiple renal cysts were detected bilaterally during a routine examination. CLINICAL FINDINGS The ferret was apparently healthy at the start of the monitoring period and had no clinical signs for > 20 months. Four months after the initial examination, the largest cyst became increasingly mineralized; 17 months after detection, it had increased in size and become amorphous, and the ferret’s plasma BUN concentration was mildly high. Within 21 months after the first visit, a nodule was detectable, and hydronephrosis developed in the kidney with the largest cyst. Findings for fine-needle aspirates from the nodule were consistent with renal carcinoma. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Contrast-enhanced CT revealed severe unilateral nephromegaly with no contrast uptake in the affected ureter. Following surgical removal of the affected kidney, histologic examination identified renal adenocarcinoma replacing the entire renal cortex and medulla. The ferret was euthanized postoperatively because of declining condition. On necropsy, metastasis to a mesenteric lymph node was identified; comorbidities included 2 other neoplasms and acute, severe injury of the contralateral kidney. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Neoplastic transformation of a renal cyst was suspected in the ferret of this report on the basis of observed ultrasonographic changes over time and extensive infiltration of the neoplasm throughout the affected kidney. Renal cysts are linked to renal neoplasia in other species, and the findings for this patient supported the need for periodic monitoring of renal cysts in ferrets.

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Sweet corn hybrids significantly affected the primary components of eating quality, i.e. sweetness (P

To determine the association between signalment, selected haematologic and biochemical parameters and referral centre in pet rabbits with imaging evidence of urolithiasis presented to two veterinary teaching hospitals in North America. Materials and MethOds:The medical record database of two veterinary teaching hospitals was searched from 2009 to 2019 for records of pet rabbits that received both imaging studies and plasma biochemistry profiles. Information regarding signalment, bodyweight, packed cell volume, total solids, and plasma biochemistry profiles was obtained. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to identify statistically significant parameters associated with imaging evidence of urolithiasis.results: Of the 324 examined rabbits, 33 (10.2%) had confirmed evidence of urolithiasis on imaging.Increasing plasma calcium and sodium concentrations and referral centre were significantly associated with the presence of urolithiasis on the univariable logistic regression model. However, only plasma calcium concentration and the referral centre demonstrated significant associations on the multivariable logistic regression model. clinical significance: Results indicate that urolithiasis in pet rabbits that receive imaging is associated with mildly increasing plasma calcium concentration and referral centre. The association with referral centre may indicate there are geographic influences on urolithiasis or on imaging. However, the identified associations have low predictive value for the diagnosis of urolithiasis, indicating the need for additional diagnostic modalities.

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